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Australian, PH troops begin 'Alon' drills

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
August 15, 2025, 7:24 pm

MANILA -- Australian and Filipino troops have begun Exercise Alon 25, the largest military drill between the two countries, the Australian Embassy in Manila announced Friday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) will train around Luzon, including the islands of Palawan between Aug. 15 and 29.

More than 3,600 personnel are taking part, including members of the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Marine Corps' Marine Rotation Force - Darwin.

This year's iteration will feature live-fire exercises at military training ranges and maritime zones.

"These activities will be conducted with due regard to the safety of the participants and wider community, including responsible advance public notification, while ensuring maximum training value," the embassy said.

Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, chief of joint Ooperations, said Exercise Alon 25 demonstrates the strength of the two states' security partnership.

"Exercise Alon 25 is an opportunity for us to practice how we collaborate and respond to shared security challenges, and project force over great distances in the Indo-Pacific," he said.

"This exercise reflects Australia's commitment to working with partners to ensure we maintain a region where state sovereignty is protected, international law is followed and nations can make decisions free from coercion," he added.

Launched in 2023, Exercise Alon has expanded to include maritime, land and air training, supported by cyber and space capabilities.

This year's ADF contingent includes the Australian Amphibious Force Joint Task Force Headquarters, Navy's Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane, Army combined arms land task group, and an Air Task Group operating Super Hornets, Growlers and Hercules aircraft.

The drill will also test joint force projection through the mass airlift of an Army battle group with armored, engineering, health and artillery units.

Amphibious landings and maritime maneuvers are also planned.

"We will come away from Exercise Alon 25 with experience that will enhance our interoperability with the Philippines, and ensure that we can work together in support of regional security." (PNA)